Vaginismus – colloquially called vaginismus – (synonyms: vaginal spasm; vaginism; ICD-10 N94.2: vaginismus) is a sexual dysfunction in women. It involves reflexive contractions (spasms) of the anterior portion of the vagina (vagina), especially when attempting sexual intercourse, which makes penetration (penetration of the penis) impossible. Vaginismus may also occur during insertion of a tampon or during gynecological examination.
There are two forms of vaginismus:
- Primary vaginismus – the complaints exist since puberty.
- Secondary vaginismus – here the complaints occur only after childbirth or surgery
In the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) published in 2013, based on the understanding of female sexual pain disorders, the combined diagnosis of genito-pelvic pain-penetration disorder was decided for vaginismus. The conclusion of this decision is that in this pain disorder, the primary focus should be on the patient’s pain and perception of pain.
Exact data on the prevalence (disease frequency) of vaginismus are not known. The data in the literature vary between 4 and 42 % of all women.
Course and prognosis: First, possible organic causes of vaginismus must be excluded. Couple treatment is often necessary for therapy of vaginismus.
